Financial Matters Articles

• How to Deal With Errors on Senior Living Facility Bills
  How to keep a close eye on every senior living residence bill, make sure that payments are posted properly and deal with billing errors when they happen.
  Mediating on your parent's behalf »
• How to Discuss Money with Your Parents
  Financial discussions shouldn’t be taboo as your parents age. Failing to talk about money matters with your parents could put you in a difficult position when it’s time to take over their financial decisions.
  6 tips for talking about finances »
• 4 Financial Mistakes Retirees Regularly Make
  Finances can be tricky to manage once you retire and sometimes require the expertise of a professional. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when trying to make your money last.
  Don't listen to family, be wary of scams »
• Important Paperwork: What to Keep and For How Long
  Do you have boxes and boxes of old files cluttering your closets? Want to clean out but don’t know what you need to keep, and for how long?
  Tips from a money manager »
• How can I talk to my elderly father to ensure he is reviewing his medical bills carefully and not overpaying?
  Like many elderly people, your father may be sensitive about having you “look over his shoulder” to check up on him, and he may be defensive if you suggest that he is not managing his finances effectively.
  Read More »
• How to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses
  There are simple steps both caregivers and seniors can take to reduce out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year and lower medical bills.
  10 ways to lower medical bills »
• Financial Planning Tips for Caregivers
  Its important that caregivers take time to plan for their own financial future.
  Will you be ready for retirement? »
• A Primer on Certificates of Deposit (CDs) for Seniors
  Investing assets when you live on a fixed income can be a confusing, nerve-wracking endeavor. Certificates of deposit offer a low-risk investment option that can appeal to elderly investors.
  When investing, knowledge is power »
• Social Insecurity: Can You Survive Without Social Security?
  Unfortunately, boomers are due to tap Social Security. This program is under attack politically-- and many don't have a backup plan.
  Squirrel away retirement funds »
• Will You Have Enough Money to Retire?
  With a shaky economy and depleted savings, middle-income boomers may be hard-pressed to make ends meet when they retire, according to two new studies.
  Boomers haven't saved enough »
• Sell or Stay? The Coming Competition for Senior Housing
  Middle-aged boomers and their older parents will be looking for other types of living arrangements, including active adult, assisted living facilities and other types of senior housing as they get older. But will they be able to sell their old homes?
  Find senior housing »
• Will You Be Able to Move Down to Another Home?
  Although most middle-aged boomers and older seniors will remodel their homes so that they can "age in place," eventually they will want to move to a smaller place such as an active adult community, assisted living, or some other form of senior housing.
  Win the downsizing game »
• Will You Be Able to Sell Your Home?
  You've built up a lot of equity in your home--now how and when do you access it in a declining economy? Learn whether you should sell now or wait until the market improves, as well as other ways to tap into your equity.
  Release your home's equity »
• 10 Things You Should Know About Your Parent's Finances
  Do you know where your parents keep their financial records? Do they pay bills online? Do they have an accountant? When you get involved in their finances, you'll need to know these details and more.
  What you need to know about their money »
• How can mom protect the proceeds from the sale of her home?
  If there is no tax consequence from selling your mom's home, then she can use all of the money for retirement.
  Read More »
• 10 Government Programs You Can Access for Your Elderly Parents
  Financial aid for caregivers. Government programs are available to help caregivers with elder care.
  10 financial aid tips from one expert »
• Should dad get a reverse mortgage, or should we give him a personal loan?
  Whether your elderly parent should get a reverse mortgage or a personal loan from family depends on the situation.
  Read More »
• Are people with Alzheimer's responsible for credit card debt?
  A person with Alzheimer's disease is legally responsible for paying their credit card debt or other debt unless you can prove that she was not competent at the time she foolishly spent money.
  Read More »
• How do you talk to elderly parents about finances and long-term care?
  Talking to aging parents about future decisions regarding elder care and medical directives is a conversation that families often avoid.
  Read More »
• Medicaid is paying for mom's nursing home. Can I rent out her house?
  Yes, you can rent the home while your parents are in a nursing home and on Medicaid.
  Read More »